William F. Boyland, Jr. is a former Democratic member of the New York State Assembly, representing District 55 from 2003 to March 6, 2014. He was removed from office following his conviction on 21 counts of bribery, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and theft.[1]

Biography

Boyland earned his bachelor's degree from Virginia State University.[2] His professional experience includes being an intern for United States Congressmen Major Owens, an intern for United States Congressman "Ed" Towns, and a staff member for Commonwealth of Virginia, Governor Douglass Wilder.

Committee assignments

2013-2014

At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Boyland served on the following committees:

Issues

Pension sweeteners

On February 13, 2013, New York legislators introduced eight bills to "sweeten" government employee pensions. The nonpartisan Citizens Budget Commission released a chart of these bills and their costs, totaling $1.311 billion for the state government and $46 million for local governments. Boyland sponsored one of these eight.[3] E.J. McMahon of the pro-market Empire State Center for New York Policy criticized the bills but placed major responsibility for them on Governor Andrew Cuomo, who in 2012 raised the possibility of better pension deals if the economy improved.[4] The New York Daily News published an editorial against the bills on February 21, denouncing the proposals as examples of "incorrigible recklessness with the public’s money."[5]

2010

Boyland ran unopposed in the September 14 Democratic primary. He defeated Robert Marshall (R) in the general election on November 2.[9] In addition to running on the Democratic ticket, he ran on the Working Familes ticket.

New York State Assembly, District 55 2010

Candidates

Votes

William Boyland (D)

15,332

Robert Marshall (R)

543

2008

On November 4, 2008, Boyland won re-election to the New York State Assembly, District 55, defeating opponent Jonathan Anderson (R).

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor information for William Boyland is available dating back to 2004. Based on available campaign finance records, William Boyland raised a total of $337,144 during that time period. This information was last updated on September 24, 2013.[11]

2010

In 2010, Boyland received $30,950 in campaign donations. The top contributors are listed below.[12]

New York State Assembly 2010 election - Campaign Contributions

Top contributors to William Boyland's campaign in 2010

Brand Jason

$3,800

Fernandez Jose E

$3,800

Blank

$3,350

Mustafa Ray

$2,500

Kay Scott

$2,400

Total Raised in 2010

$30,950

2008

In 2008, a year in which Boyland was up for re-election, he collected $0 in donations.[13]

Controversies

Corruption

On March 10, 2011, Boyland surrendered to federal authorities after being charged with corruption as the result of an FBI investigation. The 53-page criminal complaint detailed two schemes, one that Boyland was allegedly involved in. Charges were also filed against state SenatorCarl Kruger and six others.[14]

The complaint accused David Rosen of MediSys Health Systems and Robert Aquino of Parkway Hospital of allegedly trying to bribe Kruger in return for getting a proposed merger passed, while Boyland was accused of accepting a no-show job for his role in the deal.[15][16] Boyland was acquitted of the charges on November 10, 2011.[17]

On November 29, less than a month later, Boyland was arrested on federal bribery charges that allege he solicited over $250,000 in bribes from undercover FBI agents, some of which he intended to use to pay lawyers in his previous corruption case.[18] He pleaded not guilty to the charges on January 4, 2012.[19]

In June 2012, it was reported that Boyland was also under investigation by the Albany County District Attorney and state ComptrollerThomas DiNapoli (D) for allegedly claiming taxpayer-funded reimbursement for fake expenses.[20]

Boyland was charged with mail fraud conspiracy on May 3, 2013. He was alleged to have put public funds into a non-profit and then using that money to pay for events and goods promoting himself. On March 6, 2014, Boyland was convicted on all 21 counts of corruption. Boyland faces up to 30 years in prison.[21][22]